Red-White Game, autograph session and new team jersey release highlight season kick-off event

RALEIGH, NC – The National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes will host their 14th annual season kick-off event, the Caniac Carnival presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, at PNC Arena on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This year’s Carnival will feature activities for fans of all ages, both inside and outside of the arena. Parking and admission to the event are free and open to the public.

The Carnival will begin at 10 a.m. with rides, entertainment and wristband distribution for the autograph session. Players will be available to sign autographs starting at 11 a.m., with all members of the Hurricanes scheduled to appear. This is limited to the first 600 fans.

Outside of PNC Arena, fans can enjoy more than 50 inflatable rides, interactive games and booths, as well as appearances by Hurricanes mascot Stormy and the Eye Care Associates Storm Squad. New for the 2013 Carnival, food trucks will give fans the opportunity to experience a wide range of food options. A live band and DJ will perform throughout the day. The REX Blood Services Bloodmobile also will be on site from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to allow fans the opportunity to easily donate blood. To make an appointment to donate blood, please visit http://www.mysignup.com/CaniacCarnival.

Inside, The Eye team store will open at 9 a.m., giving the general public their first chance to purchase the Hurricanes’ new home and road jerseys. Season ticket holders have an exclusive opportunity to purchase the new jerseys on Saturday, Sept. 14. Before the team takes the ice for the Red-White Game, Canes TV play-by-play man John Forslund will host a State of the Hurricanes discussion with President/General Manager Jim Rutherford at 12:15 p.m.

The Red-White Game will begin at 1 p.m. and marks fans’ first opportunity this year to see the Canes in action. Seating for the scrimmage is open to the public and tickets are not required. The scrimmage will be played and timed like a regular NHL game, and will feature activities and contests for fans during the intermissions.

Following the game, 20 Caniacs will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the team on the ice. Fans can enter to win that chance during the Red-White Game in the East Priority Lounge, and winners will be announced during the second intermission.